Slow Cooker Racially Diverse Chili with Mixed Beans and Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and flavorful chili combining a variety of beans and a blend of spices that celebrates the diversity of America’s culinary influences. This american-inspired beef ready in about 375 minutes pairs ground beef, canned kidney beans, canned black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker and add 1 cup each of drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup water. Stir well to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Racially Diverse Chili with Mixed Beans and Spices take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Racially Diverse Chili with Mixed Beans and Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Racially Diverse Chili with Mixed Beans and Spices?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Racially Diverse Chili with Mixed Beans and Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Racially Diverse Chili with Mixed Beans and Spices?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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